How to use Zoom on Samsung devices

Over 2.5 billion devices globally use Android, making robust video conferencing on this platform essential for modern communication. This guide explains exactly how to use Zoom on Samsung phones and tablets, from initial setup to advanced in-meeting controls.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide detailing the process for using Zoom on Samsung Android devices, covering downloading the app, joining and hosting meetings, and utilizing key features.

Key Points

• Install from Google Play: Download the Zoom Workplace app directly from the Google Play Store for free on any Samsung device.

• Join without an Account: You can join a meeting as a guest simply by entering the Meeting ID and Passcode, no sign-in required.

• Host with an Account: A free Zoom account allows you to host instant meetings or schedule them for later using the mobile app.

• Share Your Screen: Tap the green Share button during a meeting to share your entire screen, documents, or photos.

• Check Permissions: Resolve camera and microphone issues by checking that Zoom has the necessary permissions in your Samsung's app settings.

• Device-Specific Views: The interface and number of video feeds shown will differ between a Samsung phone's smaller screen and a tablet's larger display.

Getting Started: Install Zoom on Your Samsung Device

Using Zoom on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet begins with a simple installation process from the Google Play Store. The Zoom application is free to download and offers a consistent user experience across Android devices.

Downloading the Zoom App

1. Open the Google Play Store: Tap the Play Store icon, typically found on your home screen or in the app drawer.
2. Search for Zoom: Tap the search bar and type in "Zoom" or "Zoom Workplace".
3. Find the App: Locate "Zoom Workplace" from the search results, published by zoom.us.
4. Install the App: Tap the Install button. Your device will download and install the app automatically.
5. Open the App: Once installation is complete, you can either tap Open from the Play Store or find the new Zoom icon on your home screen or app drawer.

Signing Up or Signing In

While you don't need an account to join a meeting, signing up unlocks the full range of features like hosting meetings and scheduling.

• To Sign Up: Tap Sign Up from the main app screen. Enter your birth date for age verification, then provide your email and name. You will receive a verification code via email to activate your account.
• To Sign In: If you already have an account, tap Sign In. You can use your Zoom credentials, or quickly sign in with your Google or Facebook account.

Joining and Hosting Zoom Meetings on Samsung

Joining a meeting is straightforward, whether you have an account or not. As a host, you can start a meeting instantly or schedule one for later.

Joining a Meeting

• Via an Invitation Link: The easiest way to join is by tapping the meeting link sent to you via email or messaging app. Your Samsung device will automatically prompt you to open the link with the Zoom app.
• Using a Meeting ID: If you have a Meeting ID and Passcode, you can enter them directly in the app. Tap Join a Meeting from the home screen, enter the details, and set your display name. You can also pre-configure your audio and video settings before entering.

Hosting a Meeting

• Start a New Meeting: After signing in, tap the New Meeting icon. You can start with your video on or off and use your Personal Meeting ID (PMI) or a new, randomly generated one.
• Schedule a Meeting: Tap the Schedule icon to set up a meeting for a future time. Fill in the topic, date, time, and other options like passcodes or a waiting room. You can then add the meeting to your calendar and send invitations to participants.

Mastering In-Meeting Controls and Features

Once in a meeting, a set of controls is available by tapping your screen. The options are generally consistent across Samsung phones and tablets, though a tablet's larger screen may show more controls at once.

Key In-Meeting Controls

• Audio: Tap the microphone icon to mute or unmute yourself. If no one can hear you, tap Join Audio at the bottom of the screen.
• Video: Tap the camera icon to start or stop your video feed. You can also switch between your front and rear cameras.
• Participants: View a list of all participants by tapping the Participants icon. You can see who is speaking or who has their video on.
• Chat: Engage in text chat with other participants by tapping the Chat icon, accessible through the More menu.
• Raise Hand: Tap the More menu (three dots) and select Raise Hand to notify the host you would like to speak.

Sharing Your Screen on a Samsung Device

Screen sharing is a powerful feature for presentations, collaboration, or troubleshooting. The process is similar for both phones and tablets.

1. Access the Share Menu: Tap the Share button, a green icon, from the meeting controls.
2. Select Content: A menu of sharing options will appear, including:
   • Screen: Share your entire device screen, which requires you to grant Zoom permission.
   • Photos/Documents: Select a specific photo or document from your device's storage.
   • Whiteboard: Share a digital whiteboard for real-time annotation and collaboration.
3. Start Sharing: After selecting your content, tap Start Now. To end the share, tap Stop Share.

Comparison: Features on Samsung Phones vs. Tablets

Feature	Samsung Phone Experience	Samsung Tablet Experience
Interface Layout	Compact controls, often requiring a tap to reveal secondary menus.	More spacious layout, often displaying more controls and video feeds simultaneously, similar to a desktop client.
Gallery View	Shows fewer participants on screen at once due to smaller display size.	Can show more participants in gallery view, optimizing the use of the larger screen.
Screen Sharing	Functionality is identical, but the view for both the sharer and audience is smaller.	The larger screen makes sharing more effective and viewing shared content clearer.
Multitasking	Limited split-screen view, though Samsung offers excellent split-screen functionality for many apps.	Better for multitasking, allowing a Zoom meeting to be visible alongside other apps simultaneously.

Troubleshooting Common Zoom Issues on Samsung

If you encounter problems, a few simple steps can usually resolve them.

1. Check Permissions: Make sure Zoom has the necessary permissions for your camera and microphone. Go to Settings > Apps > Zoom > Permissions and grant access.
2. Restart the App: Close the Zoom app completely and reopen it. This can fix temporary glitches.
3. Restart Your Device: A full device restart can resolve many software conflicts. Turn your Samsung device off and on again.
4. Reinstall the App: If issues persist, uninstall Zoom and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
5. Check Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, as poor connectivity affects meeting quality.

Conclusion

Using Zoom on a Samsung phone or tablet is an intuitive process that leverages the power of the Android ecosystem for effective video communication. From the initial installation and account setup to joining or hosting meetings and sharing content, the mobile app provides all the essential features. By following these steps, you can confidently navigate Zoom's interface, troubleshoot common issues, and stay connected with colleagues, family, and friends from your Samsung device. For more detailed support, visit the official Zoom Support website.

This article provides general guidance. Some features may vary based on your specific Samsung model and version of Android.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install Zoom on my Samsung tablet?

To install Zoom on your Samsung tablet, open the Google Play Store app, search for "Zoom Workplace," and tap the green Install button. Once it's downloaded, tap Open to launch the app.

Can I join a Zoom meeting on my Samsung phone without an account?

Yes, you can join a meeting on your Samsung phone without signing in. Simply open the Zoom app, tap Join a Meeting, and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode provided by the host.

My microphone isn't working on Zoom. What should I do?

First, ensure you have tapped the microphone icon to unmute yourself. If that doesn't work, check if Zoom has microphone permissions by going to your device's Settings > Apps > Zoom > Permissions.

How do I share my screen on a Samsung device during a Zoom meeting?

During a meeting, tap the screen to see the controls, then tap the green Share button. Select Screen from the options and tap Start Now to begin sharing your device's screen.

Why is my Zoom video blurry on my Samsung phone?

Blurry video can be caused by a poor internet connection. Check that your Wi-Fi or cellular data signal is strong. Also, make sure no other apps are using up bandwidth in the background.

Is there a difference between using Zoom on a Samsung phone and a tablet?

While the core functionality is the same, the user interface is optimized for each screen size. Tablets display more participants in Gallery View and have more space for controls, while phones use a more compact layout.

How do I fix issues with the Zoom app on my Samsung device?

For general issues, try these steps: check app permissions for camera and microphone, restart the Zoom app, restart your Samsung device, or uninstall and reinstall the Zoom app.